Fourth of July Safety: Celebrate Without the Setbacks
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends of the summer for travel, cookouts, lake days, fireworks, and spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the busiest weekends for preventable orthopedic injuries.
Whether you’re loading the car for a weekend getaway, carrying heavy coolers to the lake, setting up lawn games, or enjoying an evening fireworks display, a little preparation can go a long way toward helping you stay injury-free.
Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself and your family so your holiday memories are made around the grill, not in the emergency room.
Protect Your Hands Around Fireworks
Fireworks are a holiday tradition, but they can quickly turn a celebration into a trip to the emergency room.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are treated for fireworks-related injuries every year, with hands and fingers among the most commonly injured body parts. Even sparklers, which many people consider harmless, can burn at temperatures exceeding 2,000°F, hot enough to cause severe burns.
Whether you’re lighting fireworks at home or watching from the sidelines, follow these safety tips:
- Leave fireworks to trained professionals whenever possible.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
- Never attempt to relight a firework that doesn’t ignite.
- Keep spectators a safe distance away.
- Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them away.
Don’t Let Heavy Lifting Ruin Your Holiday
Fireworks aren’t the only thing that can leave you hurting this Fourth of July.
Packing the car for a weekend getaway, carrying heavy coolers, loading the boat, moving lawn chairs, hauling bags of ice, or lifting boxes of fireworks all place extra stress on your back.
Fortunately, a few simple lifting habits can make a big difference.
Before lifting something heavy:
- Tighten your core muscles.
- Bend at your hips and knees instead of your waist.
- Keep your back in a neutral position.
- Hold the object close to your body.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
These techniques help distribute the load more efficiently and reduce unnecessary strain on your spine.
Build Strength Before Injury Happens
One of the best ways to prevent lifting injuries is to build strength before you need it.
Exercises like Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs), bridges, squats, and core strengthening exercises help improve hip strength, stability, and proper lifting mechanics.
However, technique matters just as much as the exercise itself. Performing strengthening exercises with poor form can actually increase your risk of injury.
Don’t Ignore Pain That Lasts After the Holiday
It’s normal to feel a little sore after an active holiday weekend.
It’s not normal if pain:
- Lasts more than a few days
- Continues getting worse
- Limits your movement
- Keeps you from sleeping comfortably
- Prevents you from returning to work, exercise, or everyday activities
At Axes Physical Therapy, we commonly evaluate patients after busy holiday weekends for back strains, shoulder injuries, hand injuries, and other aches that began while lifting, carrying, or participating in summer activities.
Addressing these injuries early often leads to faster recovery and helps prevent a minor issue from becoming a long-term problem.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Whether you’ve suffered a fireworks-related hand injury, strained your back loading the car, or are simply dealing with pain that’s keeping you from enjoying your summer, our team is here to help.
At Axes Physical Therapy, our physical therapists and Certified Hand Therapists create individualized treatment plans designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and get you back to doing what you love.
Thanks to Direct Access in Missouri and Illinois, you can begin physical therapy without a physician referral. If you’re unsure whether therapy is the right next step, Axes also offers Free Injury Screenings to help you understand what’s causing your pain and whether treatment could help.
With 25 convenient locations throughout Greater St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Mid-Missouri, expert care is always close by.
Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July
The best Fourth of July memories are made with family and friends, not in the emergency room.
By practicing firework safety, lifting smarter, and listening to your body, you can spend less time worrying about injuries and more time enjoying everything the holiday has to offer.
If an injury does happen, don’t wait for the pain to become a bigger problem. The team at Axes Physical Therapy is ready to help you recover safely and get back to enjoying your summer.
From all of us at Axes Physical Therapy, have a safe, happy, and healthy Fourth of July!
